In this Sony WF-1000XM5 Review, I will explore Sony’s flagship earbuds, the WF-1000XM5, which represent the fifth generation of their premium true wireless lineup. With each iteration, Sony has refined their formula, but do these latest buds justify their premium price tag? I’ve spent several weeks putting them through their paces to find out.
Pros/Cons Summary
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation that rivals over-ear headphones
- Detailed, balanced sound signature with impressive soundstage
- Comfortable, secure fit despite smaller size
- Excellent call quality with improved wind noise reduction
- Impressive battery life with quick charging
- Comprehensive touch controls and app customization
- High-quality codec support (LDAC, AAC, SBC)
- Multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching
Cons
- Premium price point ($299.99) may be prohibitive for some
- No aptX codec support for Android users
- Touch controls can be finicky initially
- Limited water resistance (IPX4) compared to some competitors (learn about IP Ratings)
- Charging case is still larger than some competitors
Technical Specifications
- Drivers: 8.4mm Dynamic Driver with high-compliance diaphragm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40,000Hz
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Codec Support: LDAC, AAC, SBC
- Noise Cancellation: Sony V2 Integrated Processor
- Battery Life: 8 hours (ANC on), 12 hours (ANC off), 24 hours total with case
- Charging: USB-C and Qi wireless charging
- Water/Dust Resistance: IPX4 (splash resistant)
- Weight: 5.9g per earbud, 39g charging case
- Connectivity: Multipoint connection (2 devices simultaneously)
- Sensors: Wear detection, touch controls
- Voice Assistant: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri compatibility
- Colors: Black, Silver, Platinum Silver
Sound Quality Assessment
The WF-1000XM5 delivers a refined audio experience that builds upon Sony‘s already impressive sound signature. The new 8.4mm drivers with high-compliance diaphragms produce a sound that’s both detailed and natural, with excellent instrument separation and a surprisingly wide soundstage for in-ear monitors.
Bass response is tight and controlled rather than overpowering, with excellent extension into sub-bass frequencies that adds depth to electronic and hip-hop tracks without muddying the mids. The bass is punchy when needed but never bleeds into the midrange.
The midrange is where these earbuds truly shine. Vocals sound present and natural, with excellent clarity and texture. Acoustic instruments have a realistic timbre, and there’s a warmth to the mids that makes long listening sessions enjoyable without fatigue.
Treble extension is impressive, with plenty of detail and air without ever becoming harsh or sibilant. Cymbals shimmer naturally, and high-frequency details in complex orchestral pieces are rendered with precision.
Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscaling technology does a remarkable job enhancing lower-quality streams, though the difference is subtle with already high-quality sources. The LDAC codec support enables hi-res wireless audio for compatible Android devices, though iPhone users are limited to AAC.
The Sony Headphones Connect app offers extensive EQ customization for those who want to tweak the sound signature to their preferences. The default tuning is well-balanced, but the ability to create custom EQ profiles adds versatility.
Comfort and Fit
Sony has made significant strides in reducing the size and weight of the WF-1000XM5 compared to previous generations. Each earbud is approximately 25% smaller than the XM4, weighing just 5.9g. This reduced footprint makes them much more comfortable for extended wear.
The earbuds come with four sizes of polyurethane foam tips that provide excellent passive noise isolation and adapt to the shape of your ear canal. The Sony Headphones Connect app includes an ear tip fit test to ensure you’re using the optimal size.
I found the fit to be secure enough for light exercise, though they don’t have wings or hooks to provide additional stability. During my testing, I never experienced any discomfort even after 3-4 hour listening sessions, which is impressive for in-ear monitors.
The IPX4 water resistance rating means they can handle sweat and light rain, though they’re not designed for swimming or heavy water exposure. This level of protection is adequate for most users but falls short of some competitors that offer IPX7 or higher.
Battery Life (Wireless)
Battery performance is a highlight of the WF-1000XM5. With active noise cancellation enabled, you can expect about 8 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds alone, extending to 24 hours with the charging case. Turning off ANC extends this to 12 hours from the buds and up to 36 hours with the case.
These numbers held up well in my real-world testing, with the earbuds lasting through a full workday with ANC enabled. The quick charge feature is particularly useful, providing 60 minutes of playback from just 5 minutes of charging.
The case supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging, giving you flexibility in how you recharge. The battery status is clearly displayed in the Sony Headphones Connect app, and voice prompts alert you when battery levels are getting low.
Additional Features
The WF-1000XM5 comes packed with features that enhance the user experience:
Active Noise Cancellation: Sony has once again raised the bar with their noise cancellation technology. The new V2 Integrated Processor delivers remarkable isolation, especially for low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or air conditioners. It’s among the best ANC performance I’ve experienced in any true wireless earbuds, rivaling even some over-ear models.
Ambient Sound Mode: This feature lets you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. It sounds natural and can be adjusted through 20 levels of intensity in the app. The “Speak-to-Chat” function automatically pauses your music and activates ambient sound when you start speaking, which is convenient for quick conversations.
Touch Controls: Each earbud features touch-sensitive panels that can be customized in the app. Default controls include play/pause, track skipping, volume adjustment, and toggling between ANC and ambient sound. While responsive, there is a slight learning curve to master the different tap combinations.
Multipoint Connectivity: You can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between, for example, your laptop and smartphone. The transition is seamless in practice.
Voice Assistant Integration: The earbuds work with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri, with hands-free activation options available for Google and Alexa. Voice commands are picked up clearly thanks to the improved microphone array.
Spatial Audio: Sony’s 360 Reality Audio provides an immersive listening experience with compatible content, though the library of supported music is still somewhat limited.
Price/Value Analysis
At $299.99, the WF-1000XM5 sits at the premium end of the true wireless earbud market. This pricing puts them in direct competition with other flagship models like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3.
Given the exceptional sound quality, class-leading noise cancellation, and comprehensive feature set, I believe they justify their premium price for audio enthusiasts and frequent travelers who prioritize noise isolation. The improved comfort and battery life also enhance the overall value proposition compared to previous generations.
However, for casual listeners or those on a tighter budget, there are compelling alternatives available at lower price points that may offer better value, even if they don’t quite match the all-around excellence of the XM5.
Comparison to Alternatives
vs. Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249):
The AirPods Pro 2 offer better integration with Apple devices and similar noise cancellation performance, but the Sony edges them out in sound quality, battery life, and codec support. iPhone users might prefer the AirPods for their seamless ecosystem integration.
vs. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II ($279):
Bose offers comparable noise cancellation and slightly better comfort, but the Sony provides better sound quality and significantly longer battery life. The Bose app is also less feature-rich than Sony’s.
vs. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 ($249.95):
Sennheiser delivers slightly warmer sound signature and aptX support, but falls short in noise cancellation capability and battery life compared to the Sony.
vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 ($229):
Samsung’s offering provides excellent integration with Galaxy devices and good sound quality, but doesn’t match the Sony’s noise cancellation or overall audio performance.
vs. Sony WF-1000XM4 ($249.99):
The previous generation is now available at a lower price and offers similar sound quality, but the XM5 provides better comfort, improved noise cancellation, and enhanced call quality.
Who Should Buy This
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is ideal for:
- Frequent travelers: The exceptional noise cancellation makes them perfect for planes, trains, and noisy environments.
- Audio enthusiasts: Those who prioritize sound quality and want LDAC codec support for hi-res audio.
- All-day wearers: The improved comfort and excellent battery life make them suitable for extended use.
- Business professionals: The enhanced call quality and multipoint connectivity are valuable for work scenarios.
They may not be the best choice for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: There are good alternatives at lower price points if you don’t need every feature.
- Intense fitness enthusiasts: While they stay in place well, those needing earbuds specifically for sports might want something with hooks or higher water resistance.
- iPhone users seeking seamless ecosystem integration: AirPods Pro 2 might be a better fit within the Apple ecosystem.
Takeaways
The Sony WF-1000XM5 represents a significant evolution in Sony’s true wireless lineup. They’ve successfully addressed most of the criticisms of previous generations while maintaining their strengths in sound quality and noise cancellation.
The improved comfort from the smaller design, enhanced battery life, and exceptional noise cancellation make them a compelling choice for anyone seeking premium true wireless earbuds. The sound quality is among the best in the category, with a well-balanced, detailed signature that works well across musical genres.
While the $299.99 price point puts them at the higher end of the market, the comprehensive feature set and all-around performance justify the investment for those who prioritize audio quality and noise isolation.
For users deeply embedded in the Sony ecosystem or those upgrading from previous WF-1000X models, the improvements here are meaningful enough to warrant consideration. For newcomers to premium wireless earbuds who prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation, the WF-1000XM5 sets a new benchmark that competitors will be measured against.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earns our highest recommendation for those seeking the best all-around true wireless earbud experience, with the understanding that excellence comes at a premium price.
